Tennessee Republicans Remember Dianne Feinstein Despite Political Differences

Tennessee’s elected Republicans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, Friday and offered somber reactions to the death of Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), sending their condolences despite political differences with the late senator.

“Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer for women in politics. Despite our differences, I enjoyed our work together to protect songwriters and take on Big Tech. My prayers are with her family,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

Senator Dianne Feinstein was a trailblazer for women in politics. Despite our differences, I enjoyed our work together to protect songwriters and take on Big Tech. My prayers are with her family.

— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) September 29, 2023

“Though Senator Feinstein and I only served together for a few years, it was an honor to work with her, and I admire her life dedicated to public service and the people of California. Chrissy and I are praying for her family, loved ones, and staff as they grieve their loss,” said Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN).

Though Senator Feinstein and I only served together for a few years, it was an honor to work with her, and I admire her life dedicated to public service and the people of California.

Chrissy and I are praying for her family, loved ones, and staff as they grieve their loss.

— Senator Bill Hagerty (@SenatorHagerty) September 29, 2023

Republican members of Tennessee’s U.S. House delegation also remembered Feinstein.

“I was sorry to hear about the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. We didn’t agree on anything but she was always nice to me. I held her door open for her and she asked me where I was from. I showed her a picture of my sweet Momma and my girls. We must have talked 5 min,” said Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN-02).

I was sorry to hear about the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein. We didn’t agree on anything but she was always nice to me. I held her door open for her and she asked me where I was from. I showed her a picture of my sweet Momma and my girls. We must have talked 5 min. pic.twitter.com/JNDTJE2tdd

— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) September 29, 2023

News of Feinstein’s death broke early Friday morning. Her office released a statement shortly thereafter.

Sadly, Senator Feinstein passed away last night at her home in Washington, D.C. Her passing is a great loss for so many, from those who loved and cared for her to the people of California that she dedicated her life to serving.

Senator Feinstein never backed away from a fight for what was just and right. At the same time, she was always willing to work with anyone, even those she disagreed with, if it meant bettering the lives of Californians or the betterment of our nation.

There are few women who can be called senator, chairman, mayor, wife, mom and grandmother. Senator Feinstein was a force of nature who made an incredible impact on our country and her home state.

She left a legacy that is undeniable and extraordinary. There is much to say about who she was and what she did, but for now, we are going to grieve the passing of our beloved boss, mentor and friend.

The White House issued a proclamation for flags to be flown at half-staff “at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset” on the day Feinstein is buried.

The proclamation said in part:

Senator Dianne Feinstein was a pioneering American and a true trailblazer. In San Francisco, she showed enormous poise and courage in the wake of tragedy, and became a powerful voice for American values. In the United States Senate, she turned passion into purpose, and led the fight to ban assault weapons, also making her mark on everything from national security to the environment to protecting civil liberties.  Senator Feinstein was a role model for so many Americans and she had an immense impact on younger female leaders for whom she generously opened doors. She was a historic figure, and our country will benefit from her legacy for generations.

The late senator served as the 38th mayor of San Francisco from 1978 to 1988. She lost a gubernatorial bid in 1990 but was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1992. She served in that office for 31 years.

She was 90 years old at the time of her death.

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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Dianne Feinstein” by Dianne Feinstein.